Mick Connell reflects on the year ahead in his first blog as Chair of NATE
The arrival of a new year often brings fresh energy and renewed purpose, and for the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE), 2025 is no exception. This year marks a period of transformation, as we build on past successes and embrace new challenges.
One of the most significant changes within NATE has been the transition in leadership. Just before Christmas 2024, we said farewell to our outgoing Director, Jonathan Morgan. Over the past five years, Jonathan provided outstanding leadership, helping to shape the association’s vision and impact. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and achievements.
From January, we were delighted to welcome our new Director, Anthony Cockerill. With over a decade of experience as Head of English in an 11–18 secondary school in North Yorkshire, Anthony brings both practical expertise and a deep commitment to English education. His role as Director is complemented by his new position as editor of Teaching English, taking over from Gary Snapper. Under Gary’s leadership, the magazine has become an essential resource for English educators, and we are confident that Anthony will continue to build on this legacy.
Beyond these leadership changes, NATE is taking active steps to expand its reach and impact. Our management team has been refreshed, new Working Groups are forming, and the NATE/Routledge series continues to grow with new publications. We are also strengthening our influence at local, national, and international levels, ensuring that English teachers have a strong voice in shaping educational policy and practice.
Shaping the future of English education
One of the most pressing issues for English teachers is the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review. Together with our colleagues from other subject associations, NATE has provided detailed feedback to the Department for Education, outlining key shortcomings in the current curriculum and assessment framework. These insights, informed by our members’ experiences, highlight the need for a more balanced and effective approach to English teaching across all phases of schooling. We remain hopeful that this period of consultation will lead to meaningful change.
Another vital issue is the role of oracy in education. The publication of the Oracy Commission’s report, We Need to Talk, has brought renewed attention to the importance of speaking and listening in the curriculum. NATE has long argued that oracy is undervalued in both pedagogy and assessment, despite being fundamental to communication and learning. Talk is the foundation of language acquisition, yet it remains the least taught and least accredited aspect of English education. Raising its status is an urgent priority.
Looking ahead
Personally, I am excited about the year ahead as Chair of NATE. It is an honour to work alongside our new Vice-Chair, Sue Pinnick, Associate Professor in English Education at the University of Sussex. Together, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Chair, Rachel Laverack.
Rachel’s tenure as Chair has been defined by tireless dedication, deep expertise, and an unshakable commitment to the principles of high-quality English education. She has worked to ensure that NATE remains at the forefront of professional support for English teachers, leading initiatives that have strengthened the association’s influence at national and regional levels. Under her leadership, NATE has not only responded to the challenges facing the profession but has also provided a strong and clear voice for teachers, championing their needs and the needs of their students. Her passion, integrity, and drive have left a lasting legacy, and we are immensely grateful for her outstanding contributions.
2025 promises to be a transformative year for NATE and for English teaching in this country. As an association, we are committed to providing our members with the information, support, and influence they need during this period of change. With a growing community, a renewed vision, and a shared commitment to excellence, we look forward to shaping the future of English education — together.